Investigation underway after stowaway run over by coach and killed

An investigation has begun after a stowaway was run over by a coach as it reversed at its Norfolk depot.

It is believed the accident happened just moments after the man, thought to be in his 20s or 30s, emerged from underneath the vehicle where he had been hiding since getting on in France.

The victim is thought to have got on the coach in Calais and, unbeknown to the driver, held on to the underside all the way back to the premises of D&H Harrods Coaches in Bexwell, Downham Market.

However, as the coach was reversing in the yard, it was involved in a collision with the man at about 1.20am yesterday.

The victim, who is of African/Arabic origin, died at the scene from his injuries. Paul Harrod, of Harrods Coaches, confirmed that the incident took place after the coach was returning from a three- day tour to France.

He said: “The driver and border control carried out all the appropriate checks at Calais and the appropriate authorities were called here. We are working with the police to help them with their investigations.”

Norfolk police confirmed that Swaffham Roads Policing is

investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Crime Scene Investigators and collision investigators were at the scene as well as a inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A HSE spokeperson said: “The HSE is aware of the incident and are working jointly with Norfolk police with the police taking the lead.”

D&H Harrolds is a family run business and was set up in 1927 by Herman Harrod.

At that time he provided trips to London, church outings and darts matches.

Up until his death in 1965, Mr Herman had one coach.

His wife Dolly learned to drive and became one of six female drivers in Norfolk.

After Mrs Herman’s retirement, sons Derek and Paul took over and now run 13 coaches.

D&H Harrods provide holiday travel all over the country to places such as Blackpool, the Isle of Wight and Dunblane in Scotland.